Minutes away from starting

macaler · Feb 22, 2015

So, I almost forgot I had all this homebrew kit for cider stashed away.

As I live in a rather warm climate, I had put off starting until winter. Well, Winter is almost gone so our last days of <20C weather are fast approaching, I decided I better bet working!

I have a few gallons of store bought apple juice (Various varieties that all conform to the "NO preservative" rule), and some Red Star Champagne yeast. A huge 5 gallon PLASTIC carboy with airlock. I also have properly sanitised my equipment. I also have yeast nutrient!

I'm off on travel for the week after next (so cant bottle for a week).. Should the yeast still be going, or will it be "BAD" to let it sit a few days before bottling?

Whats the thoughts on throwing in a cinnamon stick in the fermentation process?

I'm going to throw in some brown Cane sugar... I'm going for a medium sweet DRY cider...Still of course!

Any last minute words??

Thanks for all the assistance this forum has already provided to me

gratus fermentatio · Feb 22, 2015

It'll be fine. You'll want to let that cider clear before bottling anyway, so you'll have time. Try to keep your temps about 18* or 19*C. When it's clear enough to read a newspaper through, you can either bulk age & bottle or bottle & age. Then, enjoy!
Regards, GF.

Melana · Feb 22, 2015

I usually let mine sit for a month or more before kegging and usually use Brown sugar.

macaler · Feb 22, 2015

Thanks... I poured half pound of pure cane sugar into my batch of 3 gallons.. Will see how it turns out. Probably not enough sugar to have an effect though.

I think I made a rookie mistake though. My Yeast said to mix with some warm water (up to 100F) and then add to mix... My Water may have been a little too warm.. Not boiling, but well of 100F I think (no thermometer). Hope I didnt kill the yeast... Looks like something was starting to happen over night.

IF not much is going on in the fermentation department, could/Should I I add more yeast to my mix???

Thanks

macaler · Feb 23, 2015

Actually, came back from work and my potion is a bubblin.... So all good there.

Shall give it at lest 2 weeks.. see how it goes.. Will study up on some sweeting options.